So, You Need Surgery…

The thought of going under the knife for any type of surgery can be a daunting one for many people. However, the days of major scars, long hospital stays, and even longer recoveries may be in the past for some necessary and cosmetic surgeries, thanks to minimally invasive surgery techniques.

Within the last 10 years, minimally invasive surgery, also known as “keyhole” or “band-aid” surgery, has become an alternative to traditional “open” surgeries for many different procedures. From removing gallstones, to gynecology and plastic surgery, nearly every organ in the human body is accessible to a surgeon’s camera and scalpel.

Unlike traditional surgeries, which sometimes require long, deep incisions, minimally invasive surgery is performed using small incisions. A thin instrument with a camera on the end (called a laparoscope or endoscope) is then inserted along with miniaturized graspers and scissors to perform the operation. The surgeon operates by watching a video display.

Placentia-Linda Hospital features advanced surgical equipment including:

Minimally invasive surgeries performed at Placentia-Linda Hospital include, but are not limited to:

Laparoscopy for:
• Gallbladders
• Appendix
• Kidneys
• Colon Surgery
• Gynecology surgery (including hysterectomys)
• GERD (Acid Reflux Disease)

Arthroscopy for:
• Knees
• Ankles
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Shoulders

Endoscopy for:
• Carpel Tunnel
• Sinus
• Brow Lifts
• Plantar Fasia

Many different types of surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedures include, but are not limited to:

• General surgery on gallbladders and appendicitis
• Colorectal surgery
• Gynecology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Brachytherapy
  

There are several advantages to minimally invasive surgeries. Since the overall trauma to the skin and muscles is reduced, post-operative pain may be less, which may allow patients to get out of bed sooner. They may be able to walk and move around within hours of their operation, where recovery time for traditional surgeries can last weeks or months. Also, minimally invasive surgeries can have a reduced infection rate because the body’s tissues are not exposed to the open air for long periods of time as they are in traditional surgery.

There are disadvantages to minimally invasive surgery as well.  For a patient who has had many prior operations, these techniques may not be safe if they have too much scar tissue. Other disadvantages are cost and training. Not all hospitals can afford the expensive equipment required to perform these surgeries. Surgeons need to be specially trained to transfer their skills from the three dimensional operating field to a flat video display.

No matter what type of surgery you require, whether it is traditional or minimally invasive, be sure to discuss all of your options and concerns with your health care provider and follow the advice and guidelines they set forth.

Placentia-Linda Hospital specializes in minimally invasive surgeries and makes your surgery as comfortable as possible. For more information or to obtain a “Preparing For Surgery” pamphlet, please call us at (714) 993-2000.

Preparing For Surgery at Placentia-Linda Hospital

For a referral to a surgeon in your area, please call our free physician referral service at 1-800-554-7879.